Contact Me

May 21, 2012

My first attempt at writerly advice

Last night I sat at my computer, like normal. I hacked away at the keyboard, fighting with getting some wording just right in the chapter on which I worked. I was a little tired, maybe a little frustrated.

I hit the Save button, and thought about shutting down for the night.

It would have been a rough end to the day.

Instead, I started browsing some of my files.

Know what I found?

Two novels written, one heavily edited, one in rough form.

One novel in progress, possibly to be completed in rough form by the end of June.

Numerous short stories.

Several versions of a query letter, synopsis, author bio, etc.

Almost a hundred blog posts, some on writing, some on life, but all written.

Dozens of rejection letters, but one very important acceptance letter.

Lots of correspondences with fellow-writers, people from whom I've gained more knowledge than I ever knew I needed but now value above much else.

A handful of new friends.

Not a bad haul, considering I only started writing in earnest less than two years ago.

So, I decided to share my one piece of writerly advice. It's a good piece. It came to me by way of a great teacher.

2 comments:

I think your interview inspired me because I've been sitting down to write every single day lately, which before it was more binge-writing whenever I could. But I mean, you have a child and still do it! That fascinates me for some reason- it's kind of hard to make excuses when there are people like you out there. And why would I want to make excuses anyway?? I actually enjoy writing!! I have to remind myself of that.